So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Topic: So what are these "weight" plates telling me? (Read 961 times) previous topic - next topic

So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

July 11, 2012, 12:10:29 am

The Foretravel Information plate up front next on the driver's side wall says: GAWR front 7500# w/ 9R x 22.5 tires. GAWR rear 13,000# w/ 9R x 22.5 GVWR 20,500#

The Oshkosh Truck plate says: Front axle 7,500# Total rear 15,000#
Total combined weight not to exceed 22,500#
This then means we have 2000# margin for cargo, right? What about towing capacity? No mention there. Engine is 8.2 Detroit Diesel V8 turbocharged with a four-speed Allison tranny.
Coach is 36', has very small compartments so I don't think we are anywhere near capacity. Diesel fuel: 100 gal= approx 800#. Watery liquids are kept to minimum when traveling.

We tow a Geo Tracker that weighs 1400# according to the owner's book. Curb weight a little bit more.

So, are we skirting the edge or are we OK? We have never gotten coach weighed so do not know corner weights.

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #1 – July 11, 2012, 09:26:51 am

Quote from: nitehawk – July 11, 2012, 12:10:29 am

This then means we have 2000# margin for cargo, right? What about towing capacity?

GCWR is Gross Combination Weight Rating. That is the maximum weight for everything, coach, towed vehicle, supplies, people, cats, etc. The difference between the actual loaded weight of the coach and GCWR will give a maximum weight for a towed vehicle. The weight of the towed vehicle will also be limited by specific ratings for towed weight and weight on hitch. GVWR is the weight rating of just the coach. Don't exceed that weight. GAWR is the weight rating for a specific axle. Don't exceed that weight.

You should not exceed any of the weight ratings. You can get axle weights at a truck scale for about $9. We have weighed three times and gotten consistent results. We use those weights to set tire pressures and verify that we are not exceeding any maxima. We have not gotten corner weights. I add about 500# to the actual axle weight as a conservative compensation in case there is an imbalance from side to side. We weigh with full water and fuel tanks, as well as traveling supplies on board.

This is my understanding of the ratings and how to use them. If I got any of that wrong, the experts will suggest corrections.

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #2 – July 11, 2012, 09:31:23 am

WOW, looks like the DW and I stay home, along with the toad, and let the cat drive!

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #3 – July 11, 2012, 09:32:54 am

Not sure about nitehawk's coach but the plate on my coach does not list GCWR. Haven't found that weight rating in my onboard literature either.

Roland

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #4 – July 11, 2012, 10:30:35 am

Quote from: nitehawk – July 11, 2012, 12:10:29 am

The Foretravel Information plate up front next on the driver's side wall says: GAWR front 7500# w/ 9R x 22.5 tires. GAWR rear 13,000# w/ 9R x 22.5 GVWR 20,500#

The Oshkosh Truck plate says: Front axle 7,500# Total rear 15,000#
Total combined weight not to exceed 22,500#

So, are we skirting the edge or are we OK? We have never gotten coach weighed so do not know corner weights.

Norm,

I don't believe you have an answer until you get the coach weighed. I'll bet those plate numbers are the axle weight ratings, not the axle weights themselves. Not sure why the FT rear GAWR is less than the Oshkosh one by 2K lbs but it could be related to suspension, etc.

If you get the axle weights as typically loaded for a trip (including you, "DemoGal", and Rocket in your usual spots), you'll know your weight margins.

Michelle

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #5 – July 11, 2012, 10:43:06 am

Yes, be sure you are not confusion GVWR with GCWR. Our Foretravel vehicle tag only has GVWR on it, not GCWR.

Look in your coach literature or contact James Triana for GCWR if you don't find yours.

Brett

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #6 – July 11, 2012, 11:57:28 am

Quote from: Roland Begin – July 11, 2012, 09:32:54 am

Not sure about nitehawk's coach but the plate on my coach does not list GCWR. Haven't found that weight rating in my onboard literature either.

Roland

GCWR - 30,000
Foretravel Vehicle Weight

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #7 – July 11, 2012, 12:34:48 pm

Anyone have a empty weight for U300s or any of the U series? Also, would like to know the empty weight difference between a 36' and 40' since the GVW is 30,000 for both. Must be quite a bit more weight in the 102" compared to 96" width in earlier models. With the numbers, it would be easy to calculate the useful load.

Pierce

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #8 – July 11, 2012, 01:19:52 pm

Barry, thanks for the chart, but the chart says our 1989 GV ORED is 20,500#.

Right above that is the 30,000# rating for the other model that is not an ORED.

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #9 – July 11, 2012, 02:47:34 pm

Barry - are you looking to update that chart with additional info?

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #10 – July 11, 2012, 04:28:05 pm

Quote from: Mark Benko – July 11, 2012, 02:47:34 pm

Barry - are you looking to update that chart with additional info?

Always looking for absolute correct information.
If you have any of the missing vehicle years weight info to fill in the blanks that would be useful.

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #11 – July 11, 2012, 07:01:23 pm

Ok here is more weight data right from my coach info plate: 2005 U295 3823

GAWR front 14,320# GAWR rear 21,000#
GVWR 35,320#
Tow hitch rating 18,000# GCWR 53,520#

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #12 – July 11, 2012, 07:15:27 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – July 11, 2012, 12:34:48 pm

Anyone have a empty weight for U300s or any of the U series? Also, would like to know the empty weight difference between a 36' and 40' since the GVW is 30,000 for both. Must be quite a bit more weight in the 102" compared to 96" width in earlier models. With the numbers, it would be easy to calculate the useful load.

Pierce

The title for my '94 U225 came back at 17,400 lbs. Now where NYS got that information is beyond me. My guess is that they maintain a data base which they got from the many manufacturers. Am assuming that this is net weight (Weight of a ground vehicle without fuel, engine oil, coolant, on-vehicle materiel, cargo, or operating personnel.).

Oh, don't have a GCWR on my info plate. GCWR: The maximum allowable weight of the towing vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and passengers) that the power train can handle without risking costly damage. The measured GCW must never exceed the GCWR. (Important: The towing vehicle's brake system is rated for safe operation at the GVWR -- not GCWR. Separate functional brake systems should be used for safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 1,500 lbs. when loaded). The term had not came about yet in the RVIA. It is like OCCC: Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity (6/2008 NHTSA definition Motorized Only) Equal to GVWR minus UVW and full LP gas weight.

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #13 – July 11, 2012, 07:29:45 pm

Pat,

That sounds a little light, but should help with tax and registration fees.

Brett

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #14 – July 11, 2012, 08:02:17 pm

Not really when you look at "Weight of a ground vehicle without fuel, engine oil, coolant, on-vehicle materiel, cargo, or operating personnel". Stripped coach without any furniture, appliances, plumbing and so on.

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #15 – July 11, 2012, 08:26:46 pm

Since Foretravel never sold a coach stripped of furniture, appliances or plumbing, I have no information on weight of such a vehicle.

By that definition, you could be absolutely correct.

Brett

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #16 – July 27, 2012, 02:53:02 pm

Quote from: Mark Benko – July 11, 2012, 07:01:23 pm

Ok here is more weight data right from my coach info plate: 2005 U295 3823

GAWR front 14,320# GAWR rear 21,000#
GVWR 35,320#
Tow hitch rating 18,000# GCWR 53,520#

Hey everyone, kind of an odd first post here, but what other models have a hitch weight rating of more than 10,000 lbs?

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #17 – July 27, 2012, 05:22:16 pm

Welcome to the Forum.

Can't help with hitch capacity's but here is a link to all kinds of information on Foretravels.

FORETRAVEL Motorhomes service and Repair Information

Keith

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #18 – July 27, 2012, 11:28:17 pm

Quote from: Keith and Joyce – July 27, 2012, 05:22:16 pm

Welcome to the Forum.

Can't help with hitch capacity's but here is a link to all kinds of information on Foretravels.

FORETRAVEL Motorhomes service and Repair Information

Keith

Thanks Keith. From what I can tell, it's only the 2006 models that have the 15k and 18k hitch weight ratings--but sadly, a bit out of my price range. 10k will have to do. And since a Class A license is required in CA for anything heavier than 10k, it's probably just as well.

In another forum, someone mentioned that I should take a look at Foretravel and I had never heard of them. I'm now hot on the trail for one.

Re: So what are these "weight" plates telling me?

Reply #19 – July 28, 2012, 05:24:29 pm

You ca contact Gary Omel who is on this forum as he knows where there is a 36 u320. He just left Nac this morning so don't know iof he will be checking messages, but if you want I can call him and have him contact you. My name is Ron phone 813-215-3463

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